In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) is once again embracing its yearly tradition of #CSMLove, a campaign dedicated to spreading kindness and goodwill throughout February, a month synonymous with love and friendship. This year, the campaign is highlighted by the story of Steve and Gina Johnson, a couple deeply entrenched in the CSM community, who share not only a life together but a profound commitment to the institution and its values.
Steve Johnson, the Associate Dean of Liberal Arts and Chair of Visual and Performing Arts at CSM, alongside Gina Johnson, an award-winning adjunct professor of communication and instructional designer, have been part of the CSM family for nearly two decades. The Johnsons, who originated from West Virginia, found in CSM a welcoming community that allowed them to thrive both professionally and personally, living out their dedication to students and each other.
Their journey together began on the stage of a theatre production, with Steve as the music director and Gina as an actress. This shared passion for the arts followed them to CSM, where Steve now leads the college’s Latin ensemble and Gina occasionally joins to lend her vocal talents or accompany on the bongos. The college has become more than just a workplace for the Johnsons; it’s a community where their daughter, Abby, has grown up, becoming a familiar face at CSM’s arts events.
Despite working in the same institution, the Johnsons maintain a clear professional boundary, ensuring their personal relationship enriches rather than complicates their work life. “We share a love of teaching and a genuine concern and care for CSM and our students,” Gina said. Steve added that while they discuss their work days, they strive to maintain a balance, focusing on their shared interests and the importance of continuing to date, regardless of their busy schedules.
The couple’s story is a testament to CSM’s commitment to fostering a diverse, supportive, and civil community, a principle that the #CSMLove campaign seeks to celebrate. Now in its 11th year, #CSMLove not only serves as a platform for expressing gratitude towards the college’s employees, students, and supporters but also reinforces the message that unity and shared goals are pivotal to building a successful and vibrant college community.
CSM invites everyone to join the #CSMLove campaign by sharing their stories of love, kindness, and community on Facebook @CSMAlumniandFriends or via email at alumni@csmd.edu. In doing so, the college continues to highlight the profound impact that love and gratitude can have on fostering a supportive educational environment, where individuals like the Johnsons can flourish both in their careers and personal lives.
